This is an end-of-the-month collection of nine images, none of which rated a posting on its own.
In its winter plumage, a Horned Grebe does not look as grand as when it’s in its breeding plumage.
I enjoyed the contrast between the youth of the juvenile heron and the decrepitude of the ancient dock.
When spooked, many animals face the choice of whether to flee, fight or freeze. This chipmunk froze in the hope that it wouldn’t be noticed. It stayed this way for a while before bolting.
A Kingfisher dived, entered the water on the left, but emerged without a fish.
A juvenile gull is not high on the list of exciting wildlife observations, yet I liked the view of a black-and-white bird seen against the wine-coloured leaves of October’s Red Osier Dogwood.
We think of colourful fall leaves on trees and on the ground, But what about the leaves under water? Here a dipper is probing the creek’s bounty amidst a scene of submerged autumnal leaves.
That a male Shadow Darner was still hunting in mid-October was unexpected.
A Ring-billed Gull coming in for a landing tips back, spreads its tail, and deploys is alulae.
Carmine dominates as the Varied Thrush visits rowan berries.
Glad you noted the alulae on the Ring-billed Gull – lovely photos all!
Tina, you have to be one of the few who knew what I was talking about.
Thanks Alistair. I enjoy how most of these images imply a story fore and aft, each creature caught in the midst of doing what it does, and hence being who it is. For me, the chipmunk, the dipper, and the two gulls are real standouts, asking us to give serious consideration to the lived experience of these, our fellow creatures…
Trevor, as has been the case in the past, I have written you privately, this time about empathy.
Thanks for these, Alistair.
Each one touches reminders for me of our life in the Southern Interior, right beside Seton Lake.
A single Great Blue arrived every year — we assumed his partner preferred their warmer Texas location; the kingfisher announced his swoop across the lake in front of our window; chipmunk, of course, chattered from the fir tree and scampered across our wooden walkway daring pursuit by either of our, rather lazy, cats. The beaver enjoyed building under our substantial wharf, and, along with merganser and loon, was proud to show off young family members. birds, yes, many. Thanks again Alistair.